DETROIT MOTOR SHOW: Shelby GT350R Ford Mustang

Ford has used the Detroit motor show to roll out the most extreme example of the new-generation Mustang yet – the track focussed Shelby GT350R.

The R is the Shelby GT350 coupe – revealed at the LA show last November – wound up to 11. Both go on-sale in the USA and Canada later in 2015.

The sad news is that while Australia will get the EcoBoost four-cylinder and 5.0-litre V8 versions of the new Mustang coupe and convertible late in 2015, there appears no chance we will get either iteration of the GT any time soon, as they are both thought to be left-hand drive only models.

"The GT350R is a great looking vehicle but is specifically a limited volume, left-hand drive only vehicle," explained Ford Australia's Brand Communications Manager, Neil McDonald.

"Our more immediate focus is on the launch of the Mustang in Australia at the end of the year," he noted.

The GT350's Ford-first flat-plane crank 5.2-litre V8 and Magneride suspension are also used by the R, while more downforce is created by revised bodywork including a massive carbon-fibre rear wing.

The limited production 'R' has also gone on a substantial 58kg diet thanks to such exotic items as carbon-fibre 19-inch wheels – which are shod with GT350R-specific compound and construction Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 semi–slicks.

But niceties like a stereo, air-conditioning, rear seats, reversing camera, emergency tyre sealer and inflator and boot lining have been junked in the name of weight saving also.

"The Shelby GT350R Mustang is a no-compromise car in the pursuit of maximum track capability," said Raj Nair, Ford group vice president, Global Product Development. "It is a thoroughbred street car making use of technology and ingenuity to deliver performance few enthusiasts have ever experienced.

"This isn't just about horsepower. The Shelby GT350R is an all-around balanced athlete – one that is extraordinarily precise and agile," said Nair.

Named in honour of legendary tuner Carroll Shelby, the GT350R is one of 12 cars the new Ford Performance division will offer by 2020, including the Focus RS and the GT supercar that was also revealed at Detroit.

At this stage Ford isn't saying whether the R's engine will be further developed from the GT350, which will produce more than 373kW (500hp) and 542Nm (400lb-ft) of torque. But it has confirmed exhaust resonators have been removed in the name of weight saving – and an even more aggressive sound track!

An air-to-oil engine cooler is added to cope with the extreme stress of race track use and there are also coolers for the six-speed manual transmission and new Torsen diff.

The blue oval is revealing more about the chassis, which has had its Magneride system tuned to be more track focussed. It is fitted with revised spring rates and anti-roll bars, lower ride height, unique track-tuned alignment settings, revised bushings and jounce bumpers and cross-axis ball joints in the front suspension.

The Ford Mustang Shelby GT350R is claimed to be the first car from a major car-maker to offer carbon-fibre wheels standard. They each shave 5.8kg (13lb) from unsprung weight.

Apart from the rear wing, aerodynamic honing includes a revised front splitter, a hood vent, underbody belly pans, an aggressive diffuser, vented wheel wells and turbulence reducing fender vents, wheel air curtains and side skirts.

Design details include red painted brake callipers, red pin striping at the edges of the optional racing stripes and bespoke badging. Inside there is a flat-bottomed steering wheel and high contrast red stitching.

Full coverage of Detroit motor show at motoring.com.au

Photo gallery of 2015 Detroit motor show